Just Beet It

December 15, 2011

I may have mentioned that I adore Hugh Acheson. As a UGA alum, I remember when he opened Five & Ten and I fell in love with his perspective on supporting local produce just a few weeks ago. Not to mention his beet and carrot salad. I tweaked the original recipe a bit by roasting the veggies and subbing cilantro for parsley and it still made for a delicious side for the Bison Burgers we had for dinner last night.

Lay out a sheet of aluminum foil and wrap the beets and carrots with it after drizzling with evoo and salt and pepper. Roast for about 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

After the beets cool, peel them using paper towels to rub off the skin. This is easier when they are still warm. Chop the carrots and mix in a bowl with chopped beets. Crumble the goat cheese on top and set aside.

Add 1 tablespoon of the vinaigrette and ½ cup of the cilantro to the beets and carrots and toss. Add 1 tablespoon of the vinaigrette, the remaining cilantro and toss. Drizzle with a touch more of the vinaigrette.

For the vinaigrette

Makes ¾ cup

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons sherry vinegar

1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted in a dry pan and then pulverized

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place the Dijon mustard in a bowl and whisk in the olive oil, then the lemon juice and the sherry vinegar. Add the cumin and the mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The vinaigrette will last for 10 days in the fridge.